Google isn't the only one speeding up internet access in the Lone Star state. AT&T has announced that it will build a 1 gigabit fiber network in Austin, Texas as well.

AT&T will deliver speeds up to 1 gigabit per second in Austin as part of its Project VIP expansion of broadband access.

“Most encouraging is the recognition by government officials that policies which eliminate unnecessary regulation, lower costs and speed infrastructure deployment, can be a meaningful catalyst to additional investment in advanced networks which drives employment and economic growth,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO.

"Our goal is to start connecting homes in Austin by mid-2014," said Google. "Customers there will have a similar choice of products as our customers in Kansas City: Gigabit Internet or Gigabit Internet plus our Google Fiber TV service with nearly 200 HD TV channels. We’re still working out pricing details, but we expect them to be roughly similar to Kansas City.

"Also, as in Kansas City, we’re going to offer customers a free Internet connection at 5 mbps for 7 years, provided they pay a one-time construction fee. We’re also planning to connect many public institutions as we build in Austin— schools, hospitals, community centers, etc. — at a gigabit for no charge."

Thank you Google for helping break the monopoly. For decades AT&T and TWC have been abusing their market positions to overprice and under deliver. Someone comes along and threatens to punch them in the mouth and suddenly things start to change.

It makes you what wonder all the blowhards were thinking when saying 'We don't need to break up big cable, it isn't a monopoly.' REALLY?

AT&T is just saying me too. I don't think they offer it for $70 like google because they would have to lower their price for other parts of the country.

What started to really break up the TW and ATT monopoly was Verizon Fios. Not only did they offer faster/better service, they laid down fiber optics lines across multiple cities much faster than the TWATT alliance anticipated.